Phase-spacing optimization of linear microstrip antenna arrays using simulation-based surrogate superposition models

Abstract

A technique for simulation-driven optimization of the phase excitation tapers and spacings for linear arrays of microstrip patch antennas is presented. Our technique exploits two models of the array under optimization: an analytical model which is based on the array factor, as well as an electromagnetic (EM) simulation-based surrogate model of the entire array. The former is used to provide initial designs which meet the design requirements imposed on the radiation response. The latter is used for tuning of the array radiation response while controlling the array reflection response as well as for validation of the final design. Furthermore, the simulation-based surrogate model allows for subsequent evaluation of the array responses in the beam scanning operation at negligible computational costs. The simulation-based surrogate model is constructed with a superposition of simulated radiation and reflection responses of the array under design with only one radiator active at a time. Low computational cost of the surrogate model is ensured by the EM-simulation data computed with coarse meshes. Reliability of the model is achieved by means of suitable correction carried out with respect to the high-fidelity array model. The correction is performed iteratively in the optimization process. Performance, numerical efficiency, and accuracy of the technique is demonstrated with radiation pattern synthesis of linear arrays comprising 32 microstrip patch antennas by phase-spacing optimization. Properties of the optimal designs in the beam scanning operation are then studied using the superposition models and compared to suitably selected reference designs. The proposed technique is versatile as it also can be applied for simulation-based optimization of antenna arrays comprising other types of individually fed elements. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 25:536-547, 2015.

A Review of Synthesis Techniques for Phased Antenna Arrays in Wireless Communications and Remote Sensing

“…In such situations (usually when the number of array elements is smaller than 500), full-wave EM simulation tools should not only be used for verification of the final results but also for the main steps in the design process. At the same time, a gradient-based optimizer can efficiently be used to adjust AF-based models during the prototyping stage [44,51,52], e.g., as depicted in the flowchart of Figure 10.17 in Ref. [44] or Figure 4 in Ref.…”

“…e cost associated with the acquisition of such EM model equals the product of the total number of input ports and the simulation time of the array with aperture [51,52,54]. us, minimax routines enhanced with analytical derivatives similar to those in Ref.…”

“…A surrogate-based modeling was used in Refs. [51,52,54,77] so as to reduce the computational cost of the synthesis procedure in the part relevant to the acquisition of the element-specific far-field distributions E n .…”

Design of multi-beam antenna based on Rotman lens

“…However, mechanical scanning antenna presents some obstacles, such as heavy weight, slow scanning speed, large inertia, and too frequent rotation of the antenna base, which causes the limitation of its application. Electrical scanning has two main modes: phased array and multi‐beam forming networks. The appearance of a phased array antenna, which changes the beam shapes and directions of the antenna array by controlling the feed amplitude and phase of the radiator, shows a major leap from mechanical to electrical methods in beam scanning technology, with the advantages of flexible control, fast scanning speed, and stable performance.…”